Super John Williamson: The Forgotten Scoring Machine of the ABA Nets

In the storied, chaotic, and colorful world of the American Basketball Association (ABA), few players were as electric—and as clutch—as John “Super John” Williamson. A relentless scorer with a sweet shooting stroke and a fearless attitude, Williamson was a key pillar of the New York Nets’ two ABA championships and one of the most underrated guards of the 1970s.

🔥 New Haven’s Finest: High School to New Mexico State

Born on November 10, 1951, in New Haven, Connecticut, Williamson’s basketball journey began at Wilbur Cross High School, where he was a local legend. He averaged nearly 39 points per game his senior year and was named a Parade All-American, a rare national honor for a Connecticut player in that era.

He took his talents to New Mexico State, a program that had recently made the 1970 Final Four. Over two seasons, Williamson emerged as a prolific scorer—averaging over 25 points per game—but his scoring-first style was seen as too raw by many NBA teams.

Despite being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 6th round (1973), he was cut in training camp.

🌟 ABA Arrival with the New York Nets

Fortunately, the New York Nets of the ABA were a different kind of team. Coached by Kevin Loughery and built around Julius Erving, the Nets signed Williamson as a rookie free agent before the 1973–74 season. That would become one of the best under-the-radar signings in ABA history.

In his rookie year, Williamson averaged 14.5 points per game and earned ABA All-Rookie honors. But it was his ability to get hot—scorchingly hot—that made him indispensable. With Erving drawing defensive attention, Williamson thrived as a catch-and-shoot weapon and a pull-up assassin.

The 1973–74 Nets stormed to the ABA championship, defeating the Utah Stars in five games. Williamson was just 22 years old.

Remember The ABA: “Super” John Williamson

🏆 1976 ABA Finals: The Super John Game

While Erving was the face of the Nets, Williamson was often the firepower when the game got tight.

In Game 6 of the 1976 ABA Finals against the Denver Nuggets—what would be the final ABA game ever—Williamson authored one of the most clutch performances in league history.

Down by 22 points in the third quarter, the Nets launched a stunning comeback.

“John just started bombing. I mean, he hit everything,” said teammate Brian Taylor.

Williamson scored 16 of his 28 points in the 4th quarter, including three pull-up jumpers and two dagger three-pointers. His scorching run overwhelmed Denver and sealed a 112–106 victory and a second Nets title.

This game is often overshadowed by the ABA’s demise, but those who watched it in person swear it was Super John—not Erving—who saved the season.

💥 Style of Play: Pure Gunner, Clutch Assassin

John Williamson was a true scorer’s scorer.

• Height: 6’2″, Weight: 185 lbs

• Position: Shooting guard (but often played like a scoring point)

• Strengths:

  • Deadly midrange game

  • Great off the dribble

  • Fearless in crunch time

  • Excellent free throw shooter

  • Unafraid of the moment

He had a compact jump shot with deep range and supreme confidence.

“John thought he was better than everyone. And some nights, he was,” said coach Kevin Loughery.

📉 Post-Merger Career and NBA Highs

When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, the Nets moved to New Jersey. Though the team struggled financially and had to sell Erving to Philadelphia, Williamson remained—and stepped into a starring role.

In 1977–78, he averaged a career-high 29.5 points per game over 41 games with New Jersey before being traded to the Indiana Pacers (ironically for a young George McGinnis). That 29.5 PPG season would’ve ranked him among the NBA’s elite, but it flew under the radar due to the Nets’ poor record.

In 1979, he returned to New Jersey and scored 38 points in his first-ever NBA playoff game—a record for a playoff debut that stood until Luka Dončić broke it 41 years later.

👣 Late Career & Life After Basketball

Williamson’s NBA career ended quietly in 1981 after a brief stint with the Washington Bullets. He continued playing in the CBA and later worked in juvenile rehabilitation back in his hometown of New Haven.

Sadly, Williamson passed away in 1996 at the age of 45 due to complications from diabetes. He had long struggled with weight issues after retirement.

The Life And Tragic Ending of John Williamson

🏀 Legacy & Honors

Though not a Hall of Famer, Williamson’s impact has been deeply felt in New Jersey basketball lore:

• Nets Retired #23 in 1990s

• 2× ABA Champion (1974, 1976)

• Top 10 all-time scorer in Nets franchise history

• ABA All-Rookie Team (1974)

• Set ABA/Nets record for most free throws made in a game (21)

His son, John Williamson Jr., played college ball at Cincinnati and Central Connecticut State, keeping the family legacy alive.

🧠 Why We Should Remember Super John

In an era where flash and grit collided, John Williamson stood at the intersection—the kind of player who wasn’t flashy for the cameras but was a stone-cold killer when the game was on the line.

He outdueled stars, came through in the clutch, and won titles with a city that had no business hanging banners. His nickname wasn’t just for show. In the biggest moments, Super John really was super.